Wisconsin DOT enhanced pedestrian access and reduced pollution through thousands of gallons of storm runoff from an I-794 overpass in Milwaukee with its $2 million Green Infrastructure Project. The project created a usable area under the freeway to accommodate various needs for the community. The result is a system capable of capturing 293,000 gallons of storm water from six acres of the above freeway that would otherwise add to the combined sewer system. Additionally, a new bike and pedestrian path provides access from West Michigan Street to West St. Paul Avenue, providing a connection to two downtown neighborhoods that had been divided for pedestrians and cyclists. Activating the area and making it more aesthetically pleasing discouraged homeless individuals to make camp. Today, the formerly underutilized plot of publicly owned land is not only an active and connective but the storm water facility is creating environmental benefit for the adjacent Menominee River.
America's Transportation Awards 